DVLA have revoked my driving licence

bimbowoman2

Good morning

need some help please - my husband is 53 years old and was diagnosed with adhd in 2022.  He is a builder by trade and has always been an amazing driver and has his HGV also.

he went through titration with psychiatry uk and ended up on a non stimulant adhd tablet called Guanfacine 3mg a day, which just takes the edge off his mood.

he had to re apply for his HGV licence (every 5 years).  So back in January he went for his medical and disclosed his new meds as you are told to do. 

The dvla have now decided that due to his“lack of judgement” they not only haves revoked his HGV but also his normal licence.

this has destroyed him and our family.  Cost him his job and income too.

he has lived with adhd all his life, just did not have diagnosis until 2022.  He is an amazing driver and family and I need to know how to fight the dvla on this as it’s ludicrous.  Surely this is discrimination against him by dvla? Do I get a solicitor involved? Happy to pay for any tests etc.

thank you

Car_54

I suspect the issue is not the ADHD, but the medication, and its documented side-effects . Has he asked the DVLA?

BTW in what way is it discrimination?

teaselMay

Lack of judgement sounds like a finding from the medical not a direct result of his diagnosis or medication.

Revoking a license because of safety concerns following the same procedure as applies to all drivers is not discrimination.

Nobbie1967

If you look at the possible side effects of the Guanfacine, you can see why they might be concerned at it being taken by a professional driver, but is does seem overkill to revoke both licenses without assessing if these are present in your husband’s case. 

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

• fainting
• blurred vision
• rash
• slow heart rate

Guanfacine may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.

Goudy

Lack of judgement sounds like this is how DVLA considered the case of non disclosure.
He was diagnosed in 2022 but only disclosed it in Jan 2025.

The onus is on the license holder to disclose these types of medical conditions to DVLA and it's a serious offence not to. 
Along with revoking their license, you can be fined up to £1000.

To me it sounds like DVLA are contributing the lack of disclosure (judgement) to the condition rather than treat is as an offence and pursue a fine. 

paul_c123

bimbowoman2 said:

he went through titration with psychiatry uk and ended up on a ............

I don't understand this bit - is it a typo? How does a person go through titration? Was he advised of the side effect of the medication when he was prescribed it? Was he able to understand the implications? Or was it not prescribed, ie administered in a medical setting initially?

bimbowoman2

Titration is a process undertaken with  no professional subscriber to find the correct medication to help you best. Of course it was done through a professional system  and none of the side effects were deemed to 

bimbowoman2

Be relevant to his driving- never advised by gp or hospital to disclose or worry about an side effects as there were none - and he did disclose at medical upon renewal of licence that he was on a tablet for adhd??

paul_c123

I didn't realise the DVLA can revoke a licence for "lack of judgement". I thought they can only revoke a licence due to the results of a medical exam. Is the doctor's report saying he is unfit to drive due to the ADHD, or the side effects of the medication? Or neither (therefore, something else)?

Ayr_Rage

@bimbowoman2 do you have the decision in writing?

It certainly sounds as if there is some information missing here.

Baldytyke88

bimbowoman2 said:

he has lived with adhd all his life, just did not have diagnosis until 2022.  He is an amazing driver and family and I need to know how to fight the dvla on this as it’s ludicrous.  Surely this is discrimination against him by dvla? Do I get a solicitor involved? Happy to pay for any tests etc.

Lots more people are being diagnosed these days, is there an upside?

The DVLA doesn't know your husband and is likely being over cautious.